2025-2026 Board of Directors

The UVSS Board of Directors’ offices are located in the Student Union Building (SUB Room B103).

The Board of Directors is made up of 22 student directors:

Five Lead Directors
One Director of International Student Relations
Nine Faculty Directors*
Two Directors at Large
Four Constituency Organization (Advocacy Group) Representatives
One Native Students’ Union Representative

The Board is the collective decision-making body for the Students’ Society. They organize events, provide services, and advocate for students. Board members are elected annually and are accountable to the 19,000+ undergrads they represent.

*In the event that Faculty Director positions are unfilled, additional Directors at Large may be added

Lead Directors

Director of Outreach & University Relations
Email: outreach@uvss.ca

Griffin Foster (he/him)

Director of Outreach and University Relations

My name is Griffin Foster. In my role as Director of Outreach and Chair of the board of directors for the UVSS, it is my mission to represent the students of UVic with integrity and respect, and to deliver transparent and effective leadership. Government, democracy, and politics has been a longstanding area of interest for me, and I see this role as the greatest opportunity of my life thus far to gain real experience in the realm of representation and governance. I look forward to being a strong voice for student interests this year.

Director of Events
Email: events@uvss.ca

Lindsey Andrew (any/all)

Director of Events

Hey UVIC! My name is Lindsey and I am an honours political science student in my fifth year of study. I grew up on the Treaty 7 lands of the Blackfoot Confederacy (comprised of the Siksika, the Piikani, and the Kainai First Nations), the Tsuut’ina First Nation, and the Stoney Nakoda (including Chiniki, Bearspaw, and Goodstoney First Nations). In addition to writing a thesis on misinformation in US politics, I have also enjoyed studying moral philosophy and German during my undergraduate experience. When I’m not doing schoolwork, you can find me reading, writing, crocheting, baking, or just hanging out with my lizard.

I couldn’t be more excited to start my role as director of events! I look forward to these events every single year, and I promise to deliver on all your favourite events AND some brand new ones, or I’ll eat my shoes! In addition to free hot lunches, puppy play times, and clothing swaps, I’m looking forward to bringing you a prom-themed fundraiser for our foodbank, a student vendor holiday market, and more collaboration with the lovely advocacy groups that make our diverse student union more vibrant. If you have any questions or just wanna chat, please stop by my office any time.

Director of Campaigns & Community Relations
Email: campaigns@uvss.ca

Vacant

Director of Campaigns & Community Relations

Interim Director of Finance & Operations
Email: finance@uvss.ca

Jonah Arnold (he/him)

Interim Director of Finance & Operations

Hi, my name’s Jonah (he/him) and I’ll be your Interim Director of Finance and Operations for the UVSS. I was born and raised in Douglas Treaty Territory (Greater Victoria Area) and I’m very grateful that I’m able to live and learn in such a beautiful place.

I’m a 2nd year philosophy student here at UVic seeking a focus in metaphysics and epistemology; I can’t turn my brain off, so if you want to talk about complicated stuff I’ll definitely listen and engage. I’m an avid cyclist (50km daily commute) and calisthenics enthusiast with a specialization in pull skills (think pullups, muscle-ups, frontlever, et cetera).

I initially applied as a DaL (Director-at-Large), but was elected during a board meeting to fill the FinOps (Finance and Operations Director) vacancy. Initially, I had wanted to apply for FinOps so I’m glad I had the opportunity to see it through.

A position in the UVSS is something I take very seriously and believe should be performed with professional etiquette. I’m not going to treat this as resume padding or a casual job; I am dealing with peoples’ livelihoods and the operations of a multi-million dollar non-profit, the responsibilities of which should not be taken lightly. I really want to do a good job, so I’m planning to work hard and do things right.

Here’s to a great term!

Director of Student Affairs
Email: affairs@uvss.ca

Katie King (she/her)
Director of Student Affairs

Hey! My name is Katie King and I am grateful to serve as your Director of Student Affairs. I am originally from Calgary, Alberta on Treaty 7 territory, specifically the traditional lands of the Niitsítpiis-stahkoii, Ĩyãħé Nakón mąkóce, Michif Piyii, Ktunaxa ɁamakɁis, and Tsuut’ina. I am pursuing my degree in History along with my role on the UVSS board.

I am so excited to work with and support the Course Unions, Clubs, Advocacy Groups, Faculty Student Societies, and the Native Students Union. All of these groups are key spaces of support and community on campus and it is a privilege to be able to work with them.

In my free time I love art and do watercolour, oil painting, and sketching. Nature is always a huge insertion for me and I enjoy spending my time outside. If you ever have anything that you want to talk to me about (questions, ideas, or concerns) feel free to reach out via email or stop by the SUB to chat in person.

Director of International Student Relations

Director of International Student Relations
Email: internationalrep@uvss.ca

Abhee Senthilkumaran (she/her)

Director of International Student Relations

Hey! I’m Abhee, a fourth-year economics student, and I’m excited to be your Director of International Student Relations. I was born in Sri Lanka but raised in the UAE, so I understand that living in Victoria independently has been nothing short of challenging, dealing with issues such as homesickness, culture shock, housing and visa troubles, etc. Therefore, I aim to make sure that all international students feel welcomed and safe in their new bubble by bringing awareness to the useful on-campus resources and increasing engagement in various cultural events.

I would greatly appreciate any suggestions to help me address issues that international students face. I want to ensure that everyone’s opinions and concerns are heard, so please do not hesitate to reach out via email or stop by my office to chat about anything!

Directors at Large

Nelson Currie (he/him)
Director-at-Large (DaL)

Hi, I’m Nelson! I’m one of your Directors at Large. I’m here to support student voices, and help create a better campus experience for everyone.

Tenzin Nyidon (she/her)
Director-at-Large (DaL)

I’m a first-generation Tibetan Canadian here to help students feel seen and supported while making the most of their time at UVic’s diverse community!

Gabby Elhav (she/they)
Director-at-Large (DaL)

Hi! I am Gabrielle (Gabby) Elhav, a Political Science student studying at the University of Victoria. Volunteering and working on campus has been incredibly rewarding for me, particularly with the Sexualized Violence Resource Office, Office of Student Life, and UVSS Food Bank. I cannot wait to be learning more about this campus, those in my faculty, and the Victoria community through this role.

Michael Caryk (he/him)
Director-at-Large (DaL)

Mike’s enthusiasm is infectious, bringing joy and energy to those around him. In the final year of a Physical and Health Education degree with a minor in Geography, Michael has discovered that sports offer a structured space for social connection and self-advocacy both of which have played a key role in his health and personal growth.

As a member of the men’s rowing team, and sport supervisor for intramurals, Michael has learned the value of trust, discipline, and consistency in achieving shared goals. His leadership extends beyond athletics: as the elected Senator for the Faculty of Education, he actively works to enhance the educational experience for all students.

Michael is excited to take on a new challenge as Director at Large for the UVSS Student Society. With a naturally outgoing personality and a deep commitment to student advocacy, he is eager to contribute to a more inclusive, supportive campus community.

Alena Gavrilenko (she/her)
Director-at-Large (DaL)

As a third year political science major, I am dedicated to negotiating bus-pass opts and promoting greater financial accountability of UVSS!

Carson Robinson (he/him)
Director-at-Large (DaL)

I am a second year undergraduate student currently pursuing a degree in political science. Passionate about community engagement, I will be steadfast in my dedication to bring a collaborative spirit and a commitment to transparency and equity in student governance. I also pledge to be an advocate for inclusive, student-centered initiatives and help shape policy that supports the academic and personal well-being of UVic students.

Lily Luz Yeo (they/them)
Director-at-Large (DaL)

My name is Lily Luz Yeo. I am a third-year undergraduate student in the Health Information Science (HINF) program within the Faculty of Health.

My program emphasises equitable, detail-oriented approaches to public service— values I aim to carry into my role as a Director at Large with the University of Victoria Students’ Society (UVSS). I am eager to create accessible, student-centred initiatives that reflect our diverse campus community.

As Director at Large, I look forward to helping maintain a strong, steady bridge between students and the UVSS by staying engaged with campus dynamics and fostering open communication. Whether it’s through advocacy, outreach, or meaningful events, I aim to support an inclusive environment where every voice feels heard and valued.